Processor Circuit Power Management in Power-Down State

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer systems in power-down states are limited in their ability to perform tasks without transitioning to a full power-up state, restricting their functionality and efficiency in communication and data management.

Innovation Solution

A computer system configuration that maintains power to the processor circuit while in a power-down state, allowing it to perform tasks via the network interface without exiting the power-down state, and transitions to a full power-up state upon user request, enabling communication through other I/O devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the computer system enters a complete power-down state to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system cannot perform any tasks or respond to communications without transitioning to a full power-up state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsystem functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides power management into segments by maintaining different power states for different components. The processor circuit remains in a lighter power state while other components are fully powered down, allowing selective task execution without full system activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the system operate in different power states simultaneously. The processor circuit maintains enough power to execute specific tasks while other components remain in deep power-down mode, creating localized power optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system maintains full power to all components for complete functionality, then system versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power states based on operational needs. The processor circuit can transition between power states depending on whether task execution is required, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to actual functionality needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power parameters selectively for different components. By adjusting the power state of the processor circuit independently from other components, the system optimizes the balance between energy consumption and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the processor circuit is completely powered down to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system cannot perform tasks or exit power-down state quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtask execution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The processor circuit is maintained in a preliminary power state that allows quick task execution. By keeping the processor in a lighter power state rather than complete shutdown, the system prepares for potential task execution without full power-up overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processor circuit maintains continuous readiness for task execution by staying in a lighter power state. This continuity allows the system to perform tasks immediately when needed without the delay of full power-up sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Use of energy by moving object

If all I/O devices are disabled in power-down state for energy savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but user communication capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduser communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processor circuit serves multiple functions by remaining in a lighter power state. It can both execute tasks autonomously and respond to user communications, making it a universal component that handles both automated and user-initiated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor circuit acts as an intermediary between the powered-down I/O devices and the network interface. It can receive communications through the network interface and execute tasks without requiring other I/O devices to be powered up, mediating between different power states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11481019B1Control of a computer system in a power-down state

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 APPLE INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed relating a computer system in a power-down state receiving a communication from a remote computer system and performing a task indicated by the communication. The computer system in a power-down state performs the task without transitioning from the power-down state into a power-up state. Exemplary tasks performed in the power-down state include uploading one or more files to a remote computer system, downloading one or more files from a remote computer system, deleting one or more files from the computer system, accessing input/output devices, disabling the computer system, and performing a memory check on the computer system.